58 MYTHS OF THE IROQUOIS. 



return, you cau put it on and fly with us to be witness to what we do for 

 the good of man." Accordingly, the youth hid the dress in the woods, 

 that no one might see it, and waited until the spring. Then the Thun- 

 derers returned, and he resumed the robe, and floated with them in the 

 clouds over the earth. As they passed above a mountain he became 

 thirsty, and seeing below him a pool he descended to drink of it. When 

 he rejoined his companions they looked at him, and saw that the water 

 with which his lips were moist had caused them to shine as if smeared 

 with oil. "Where have you been drinking?" they asked him eagerly. 

 " In yonder pool," he answered, pointing to where it lay still in sight. 

 They said, "There is something in that pool which we must destroy. 

 We have sought it for years, and now you have happily found it for us." 

 Then they cast a mighty thunderbolt into the pool, which presently be- 

 came dry. At the bottom of it, blasted by the thunder, was an immense 

 grub, of the kind which destroys the corn and beans and other products 

 of the fields and gardens; but this was a vast creature ("as big as a 

 house," said the chief), the special patron and representative of all 

 grubs. After accompanying his spirit friends to some distance, and 

 seeing more of their good deeds of the like sort, the youth returned 

 home and told his friends that the Thunder was their divine protector, 

 and narrated the proofs which he had witnessed of this benignant char- 

 acter. Thence originated the honor in which the Thunder is held among 

 the Indians. Many Iroquois still call Hi-uu° their grandfather. 



ECHO GOD. 



When engaged in wars with different nations the voice of the Echo 

 God served for signals, as it would only respond to the calls of Iroquois. 

 At the coming of evening it was used bj' them to call in those who 

 were out on the war-path. When the warrior would whooi^ the Echo 

 God would take it up and carry it on through the air, the enemy not 

 being able to hear it, as this was the special god of the Six Nations. 

 Therefore when they had gained a great victory a dance was held to 

 give praise to this god. When enemies were killed their victors called 

 out as many times as thes e were persons killed, the cry being " Goh- 

 weh ! Goh-weh!" " I'm telling you ! " These words the Echo God took 

 up and repeated. But if one of their own tribe was killed they called 

 out, "Ohweh! Oh-weh!" meaning "Our own!" 



After any of these signals were given all assembled together to hold 

 council and make arrangements for an attack or jjursuit. Then were 

 sent out runners, who also proclaimed. If no response was made by 

 the Echo God it was an omen that they should not start, but they 

 continued calling, and if the god still remained silent, a service was held 

 to ask the cause of his anger. 



